Top tech startup news stories you need to know this Wednesday, December 27

Good morning. Here are top tech startup news stories you need to know this Wednesday, December 27.

Digmine  Cryptocurrency Mining Virus Spreading Through Facebook Messenger. Researchers at security firm Trend Micro are warning users of a new cryptocurrency mining bot that is spreading through Facebook Messenger. The virus is targeting Google Chrome desktop users to take advantage of the recent surge in cryptocurrency prices.

FCC Approves First Distance Wireless Charging System. Energous, a California-based startup, said it had received the FCC certification for the first power-at-a- distance wireless charging system for its WattUp Mid Field Transmitter. The company said that its wireless charges can charge the surrounding devices up to three feet away.

Israel sets up first innovation lab to boost tech for elderly aid. According to the Times of Israel,  the  National Insurance Institute of Israel is taking a startup approach with the setting up of innovation lab to help the elderly make the most of their increased life expectancy with what it said is a “first ever” Innovation Lab designed to boost technologies to meet the challenges facing senior citizens.

Tech startup Kit Digital investors convicted of fraud.  A federal jury convicted two tech entrepreneurs, including a man who invested in the film studio that made the “Twilight” movies, were convicted of fraud on Tuesday in New York.   The The two tech entrepreneurs,  Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, 45, and Omar Amanat, 44, were convicted of charges they deceived shareholders of Kit Digital from 2010 to 2012 by falsely inflating the company’s revenues. The were convicted of all charges brought against them after a six-week trial.

Tesla co-founder warns China car market can’t be ignored by global warming doubters.  Martin Eberhard, the co-founder and former CEO of Tesla Inc. said China is a market that takes global warming seriously and can’t be ignored by others around the world.

Talla, a leading artificial intelligence startup announces further innovation. Talla, a Massachusetts-based startup and leader in enterprise A.I. software, today announced the development of their new BotChain network. BotChain helps to foster mass-adoption of A.I. products in business with intelligent agent auditing, compliance regulations, and communication standards on a blockchain.